A Personal Licence is a legal requirement for anyone who authorises the sale of alcohol in England and Wales. It comes in two parts:
If either part is lost, stolen, or damaged, it’s important to act quickly to stay compliant with the Licensing Act 2003.
Step-by-Step: Replacing a Lost Personal Licence:
Reach out to the local council that originally issued your licence.
Most councils have a dedicated section on their website for lost or replacement licences.
Explain the circumstances of the loss (e.g. misplaced, stolen, damaged).
Include your full name, address, and licence number (if known).
Proof of identity (passport or driving licence)
Proof of address
Passport-style photo x 2 (one certified as a true likeness by a responsible person on the reverse)
Replacement fee (typically £10:50)
Report Theft (if applicable) i.e. If your licence was stolen, report it to the Police and obtain a crime reference number. This may be required by your council.
Wait for Processing: Most councils process replacement requests within 10 working days, though this can vary.
Return Original if Found: If you find the original licence after receiving a replacement, notify your council and return it to avoid duplication.
Important Notes:
You must carry your photocard when authorising alcohol sales.
The paper counterpart should be kept safely at the premises for inspection if needed.
Operating without a valid Personal Licence – even temporarily—can lead to enforcement action or delays.
Losing your Personal Licence is inconvenient, but easily resolved with prompt action. Keeping a photocopy of both parts and noting your licence number can help speed up the process if it happens again.
Any problems? Then call The Licensing Guys on 01432 700024.
Make an appointment today
Please pick a date from the calendar and we can begin the process of booking you in for a consultation
Q: Why The Licensing Guys should be the licensing partner for you…?
A: These are the three biggest themes that come out of our Google Reviews: